Preview: Indians vs. Mariners

Back to .500, again. Back in second place, again. The

Indians took steps forward in securing their new goal of finishing above .500 for the first time since 2007.  Manny Acta believed his team could do it back in training camp, and for a while they made believers of everyone. Still, a winning record would be more than what most people on the lakefront would have expected this year.

September 19, 2011

Progressive Field

Scouting Report

• Seattle – In the midst of their final road trip of the season, the Mariners are making a stop in Cleveland to make up a game that was rained out in May. Seattle dropped two over the weekend to the Rangers, and didn’t fare well in the batters box. They struck out 36 times in three games against the Rangers and lead the American League in the category. The Mariners have only 10 games remaining, but they are having to keep things patched together due to some nagging injuries. Shortstop Brendan Ryan (sore neck), first baseman Justin Smoak (strained groin muscle) and outfielder Casper Wells (sick) all missed Sunday’s game. Smoak could be back as early as Monday, but Wells’ status is day to day and Ryan is likely out several more days.

• Cleveland – A sweep of the Twins propelled the Indians back to the .500 mark over the weekend, and the Tribe will look to bust through the .500 mark before heading in to a series with third place Chicago on Tuesday. The Indians have a chance to win four straight, something that haven’t done since May. Indians outfielder Shelley Duncan is 6 for 13 with three doubles in three games against the Mariners this season. He homered, doubled and drove in three Sunday.

Pitching Match-up

Charlie Furbish vs. David Huff

• Charlie Furbish  2-6, 5.77 ERA

The 25-year-old rookie has lost five straight starts, but is coming off two fairly strong outings against the Angels and Yankees. His deceptive delivery can be tough if he’s commanding his fastball.

• David Huff  2-5, 3.40 ERA

Huff surrendered eight runs in four innings of a loss Wednesday against the Rangers, though only three of the runs were earned. The southpaw has suffered a loss in each of his past three starts.

Lineups

Seattle

1. RF Ichiro Suzuki
2. SS Luis Rodriguez
3. 1B Mike Carp
4.    C Miguel Olivo
5. 2B Kyle Seager
6. DH Willy Mo Pena
7. 3B Alex Liddi
8. CF Trayvon Robinson
9. LF Chris Gimenez

Cleveland

1. RF Kosuke Fukudome
2. 2B Jason Donald
3. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 1B Carlos Santana
5. DH Travis Hafner
6. LF Shelly Duncan
7. CF Grady Sizemore
8. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
9.    C Lou Marson